CHP Begins Holiday Enforcement Period On California Roadways

As millions of Californians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the California Highway Patrol will launch a statewide Holiday Enforcement Period (HEP) to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors and help prevent injuries and deaths on the road. The Independence Day HEP begins on July 3, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6.

All available CHP officers will be out in full force throughout the holiday weekend, focusing on impaired, distracted, and aggressive drivers. The goal is simple: to save lives.

To underscore the ongoing need for heightened enforcement, consider this: During a recent statewide 24-hour enforcement effort from 6 a.m. Saturday, June 7, to 5:59 a.m., Sunday, June 8, CHP officers issued nearly 18,000 citations. Of those:

• More than 12,100 were for excessive speed.
• Nearly 860 were for distracted driving.
• Close to 500 were for seat belt violations.

Officers also made nearly 400 arrests for driving under the influence. Tragically, 11 people lost their lives in crashes during that same period.

Whether heading to a fireworks show or returning home from a family gathering, the CHP urges everyone to buckle up, slow down, designate a sober driver, and in case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.